Dr. Mnerh Alqahtani

Dr. Mnerh Alqahtani earned her PhD in applied mathematics from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. She obtained her BSc and MSc in mathematics from King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. Currently, she holds the position of assistant professor at the University of Hafr Albatin (UHB). Dr. Alqahtani is currently pursuing IBK-postdoctoral research at MIT Mechanical Engineering at the SAND lab, collaborating with PI Prof. Themistoklis Sapsis.

Motivated by the devastating impact of rare and extreme events, Dr. Alqahtani’s current work focuses on quantifying the probability of their occurrence and improving prediction in high-impact regimes. Her research combines mathematical and statistical foundations, such as large deviation theory, with machine learning and optimization techniques. These tools apply to complex dynamical and spatio-temporal systems, particularly when understanding tail behavior and high-risk outcomes is essential yet difficult to observe, model, and predict.

One of Dr. Alqahtani’s current projects with the MIT SAND Lab uses deep neural network regression to predict future-period fields from historical spatio-temporal data, with a specific focus on predicting undesirable extreme weather events.

Through the IBK Fellowship and her research at MIT, she aims to build collaborative research and consulting partnerships that translate rigorous mathematical ideas into practical tools for risk assessment and decision support.

https://drmnerh-alqahtani-cv.tiiny.site